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Gun Control Debate Returns To Rhode Island Statehouse

State lawmakers will review a proposal to ban the sale of semi-automatic weapons, a bill which failed last year. (Getty Images)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The debate over gun control is returning to the Rhode Island Statehouse, but it’s unclear if anything has changed from last year, when a proposal to ban the sale of semi-automatic weapons fell flat.

Gun rights supporters say they’ll gather at the capitol Tuesday as lawmakers review legislation that would ban the sale of semi-automatic firearms. The bill was first introduced last year following the 2012 Newtown, Conn., school shooting.

Supporters say restrictions on the weapons would reduce the risk of a mass shooting as well as more common acts of gun violence. But gun rights supporters say the proposal would infringe on Second Amendment rights and do little to address the problem of gun crime.

Lawmakers will also review legislation to ban large-capacity magazines.

No votes have been scheduled.

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